Universal Confirms End of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Replacement Unveiled

Nearly four years after it first opened, Universal has confirmed some big changes for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

We’ve seen plenty of new theme park additions in recent years, but few have had people quite as hyped as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

As the world’s first theme park land inspired by Nintendo, the area was designed with meticulous – and extremely colorful – detail. The land brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life with vivid recreations of Peach’s Castle, Bowser’s Castle, and other iconic settings from the Super Mario universe, with its key attraction, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, using augmented reality to immerse guests in the beloved video game.

Another family-friendly ride, Yoshi’s Adventure, allows fans to join Yoshi on a whimsical journey through colorful landscapes, offering views of the entire SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area.

Considering its instant popularity, it was inevitable that SUPER NINTENDO WORLD would soon open in other parks. Sure enough, Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal’s OG theme park in California) debuted its own version in its Lower Lot in 2023.

A third version is also set to open at Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park, Epic Universe, when it opens in May 2025, with a fourth also in the works for Universal Studios Singapore (although this currently has no opening timeframe).

Big Changes at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Before that happens, Universal Studios Japan is set to debut the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expansion: Donkey Kong Country.

Inspired by the video game series of the same name, the area’s opening date has been delayed several times but was officially confirmed this week for December 11, 2024.

When it opens, guests will be able to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a new family coaster that sees riders try to protect the Golden Banana. The coaster – which will also feature in Epic Universe when it opens in May – is unique in that it gives the illusion of jumping the track mid-ride.

However, the land’s opening also marks a big change for the existing land, with Universal now confirming that the area will no longer be known as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Instead, the existing land as we know it – which is themed to the Mushroom Kingdom – will be known as SUPER MARIO LAND, with Donkey Kong Country seemingly counting as an entirely different land.

Interestingly, Epic Universe doesn’t seem to be following suit. All marketing materials so far have referred to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD as a singular entity.

What do you think of the changes to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD?